The United States welcomes the agreement by the Georgian and other participants to restart the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism during the thirty-fifth round of the Geneva International Discussions on March 22-23.
Suspended since 2012, this security mechanism facilitates contact between law enforcement professionals on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) to defuse tensions, provides more transparency along the ABL, and improves the situation on the ground for all people affected by the conflict. We look forward to an announcement soon by the Co-Chairs and participants of the date of the next meeting.
We also welcome the March 10 agreement to release prisoners, an important humanitarian gesture that can build trust between participants in the Geneva International Discussions.
The United States applauds the constructive approach taken by the participants during this round and appreciates the facilitation by the Co-Chairs to achieve these positive results.
The United States fully supports Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council, Vienna
